ARCHBISHOP USHER says that "_bishop_ and _presbyter_ differed only in degree, and not in order." See _Cole., Anc. Christ. Exemp., Ch. 8, Sec. 6._ BISHOP BURNETT says: "As for the notion of distinct offices of _bishop_ and _presbyter,_ I confess it is not so clear to me." _Vindic. Ch. of Sects, p. 366._ DOCTOR COLEMAN says: "It is generally admitted by Episcopal writers on this subject, that in the New Testament, and in the earliest ecclesiastical writings, the terms _bishops_ and _presbyters,_ or elders, are synonymous, and denote one and the same office." "The office of _presbyter_ was undeniably identical with that of _bishop,_ as has been shown above." "Only _two orders_ of officers are known in the church until the close of the second century. Those of the first are styled either _bishops_ or _presbyters;_ of the second, _deacons._" _Anc. Christ. Exemp., Ch. 8, Sec. 6; Ch. 6, Sec. 5._ This author cites many of the early Christian Fathers who bore the same testimony, among whom are Clement of Rome, Polycarp, Justin Martyr, Irenæus, Jerome, Chrysostom, Theodoret, and others. Many prelatical writers, besides these above quoted, frankly admit the same facts. The Apostle Paul, it is stated (Acts 20:17, 18), called together the _elders_ (_presbyters_) of the Ephesian Church. But in verse 28 he calls these officers _overseers_ (_episcopos_). Here the terms _presbuteros_ and _episcopos_ were certainly used interchangeably. Paul and Timothy, in their address to the Philippian Christians, specify three classes as evidently constituting the entire body of disciples. They say, "To all the _saints_ in Christ Jesus, which are at Philippi, with the _bishops_ and _deacons._" Saints, bishops, and deacons embraced the whole church. Timothy was instructed by Paul as to the qualifications of pastors to be placed over the churches. (1 Tim. 3:1.) Particular directions are given as to both _bishops_ and _deacons,_ but no mention is made of elders--clearly because they were the same as bishops. Titus is likewise enjoined to secure pastors for the church in Crete. (Titus 1:5, 7.) These pastors are called _elders_ in verse 5 and _bishops_ in verse 7. _Pastors_ and _deacons,_ therefore, are two orders, and these officers simply were known or needed in the Apostolic churches. In this, also, the views held by Baptists are in harmony with the customs of the churches in the first and purest age of Christian history. +CHAPTER XV+ BAPTIST HISTORY